Andrew steps in as vicar at 93

Parishioners at St Mary the Virgin in Enville, near Stourbridge, hope that the vacancy for a new vicar will be filled by the end of June but leaders are refusing to consider a woman for the role because of fears that breaking with tradition will drive away stalwarts of the congregation.

Mr Collins, former rector of Kinver and Enville, has helped by holding services since previous vicar, Eric Davies, 72, retired in November. He said: "I've never left the church as you don't retire from the priesthood and if the church asks you then you should still be able to preach."

Mr Collins, an RAF officer in the war, returned to a teaching career and became deputy head of Lower Gornal Boys' Secondary School and head at the Church of the Ascension Middle School, Wall Heath.

He was ordained in 1961 and became senior curate of Sedgley Parish Church.

The father-of-four, who was married to late wife Marian for 57 years, was appointed priest-in-charge of Enville in 1997 and has lived in the village ever since.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) committee says the vicar must be a man to stop people leaving because they don't want women as ordained ministers.

Mr Collins says the future of the church will depend on the number of men left in the clergy but "takes his hat off" to women who combine careers and families.

Current rector of Kinver and Enville, the Rev David Blackburn, has also taken services despite his duties at St Peter's Church, Kinver. He said the position was advertised in the national church Press and on the Lichfield Diocese website.

He said that although the "indefatigable" Mr Collins was keeping the flag flying it was very important not to overwork him and he and others were helping share the burden.

Lichfield Diocese communications director Gavin Drake said the closing date for applications for the post is June 2 with interviews scheduled for June 16.